From David Taylor Fish to Gardeners’ Chronicle 8 May 1869
Summary
Discusses CD’s paper ‘Formation of mould’ and CD’s views on earthworms.
| Author: | David Taylor Fish |
| Addressee: | Gardeners’ Chronicle |
| Date: | 8 May 1869 |
| Classmark: | Gardeners’ Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette (1869): 501 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6736F |
Matches: 9 hits
- … Discusses CD’s paper ‘Formation of mould’ and CD’s views on earthworms. …
- … 1977. Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … their habits. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1881. ‘Formation of mould’: On the …
- … formation of mould. [Read 1 November 1837. ] Transactions of the Geological Society of …
- … issues. Fish refers to ‘Formation of mould’ . CD cited Fish’s article in Earthworms , p. …
- … Chronicle , 9 May [1869]. See ‘Formation of mould’ , p. 508 ( Collected papers 1: 52). …
- … more properly called animal than vegetable mould. I, however, would accept the fact of the …
- … persistency to cover the earth with vegetable mould without the assistance of manure. The …
- … surface of the earth in the form of vegetable mould. And doubtless in this emptying of the …
From W. E. Darwin 3 December [1880]
Summary
Description of remains of a Roman villa and the worm activity at the site.
| Author: | William Erasmus Darwin |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 3 Dec [1880] |
| Classmark: | DAR 162: 111 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-12885 |
Matches: 15 hits
- … often taken deep down into burrows & then may be reswallowed. ’ pencil 9.2 the … mould. …
- … 9.4] scored red crayon 9.2 mould and worm holes, 9.3] underl pencil and red crayon 9.4 …
- … since the Romans; I tried the depth of mould in two places about 4 yards from each other, …
- … 5 feet deep] double underl blue crayon 2.5 mould … a hard] underl blue crayon 3.3 tops … …
- … think it is over 5 feet deep in parts. The mould rests on a hard deep red compact sand, so …
- … spot of 15 inches in dept, and he said there was pure mould to within about 4 or 5 inches …
- … to top of walls, & then there was mixed mould and stones mortar and loose rubbish from the …
- … to be loose rubbish on top of them, but the mould on top did not appear to be so pure. Not …
- … saw by holes that had been dug that the mould was of a considerable depth therefore though …
- … all the castings I saw looked like pure mould. The proprietor of the part I was able to …
- … lumps of mortar; the interstices were full of mould and worm holes, and here & there was a …
- … mortar had to some extent been replaced by mould. Unfortunately I had no chance of seeing …
- … the castings appeared all to be of pure mould, and as the floors has so fairly kept their …
- … that the worms might be continually bringing up mould through the pavement, and that any …
- … by worms working from outside, so that the mould would rise on the pavement without much …
‘Formation of mould’: On the formation of mould. [Read 1 November 1837.] Transactions of the Geological Society of London 2d ser. 5 (1840): 505–9. [Shorter publications, pp. 124–7.]
Vegetable mould and worms: The formation of vegetable mould, through the action of worms, with observations on their habits. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1881.
To J. H. Gilbert 5 February 1881
Summary
Asks whether vegetable mould has an acid reaction. The contents of intestines of earthworms and castings are acid, which leads him to inquire about mould.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | Joseph Henry Gilbert |
| Date: | 5 Feb 1881 |
| Classmark: | Rothamsted Research (GIL13) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-13038 |
Matches: 6 hits
- … Asks whether vegetable mould has an acid reaction. The contents of …
- … intestines of earthworms and castings are acid, which leads him to inquire about mould. …
- … Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … with a question. It is, whether vegetable mould, such as occurs close beneath the roots of …
- … well drained place on my Lawn, where the mould was distinctly acid. — I ask because I have …
- … chalk) & this leads me to wish to know about mould. I have read that the humus acids, (to …
From L. C. Wedgwood [8 February 1872]
Summary
Describes earthworm experiments. She has measured depth of mould in various locales, e.g., on ridges and furrows of an old ploughed field.
| Author: | Lucy Caroline Wedgwood; Lucy Caroline Harrison |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | [8 Feb 1872] |
| Classmark: | DAR 63: 79–80 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-8203 |
Matches: 7 hits
- … experiments. She has measured depth of mould in various locales, e.g. , on ridges and …
- … Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … this little washed away? ’ added ink 7.1 Worm mould on common] ‘space almost level’ interl …
- … slope in garden and at bottom. (Feb 6 th . ) Top worm-mould 4 inches Bottom—— 5 3 4 Ex …
- … pt . 4 Worm mould on common near sq re . yard 3–4 in. On terrace near sq y d . 3 3 4 6.1 …
- … field on slope. Jan. 11 th . Line of worm-mould very ill-defined— No apparent difference …
- … straight line I think to preclude chance worm-mould 2 3 4 —4 inches No 2 (furrow) — — 3 1 …
From J. V. Carus 6 December 1881
Summary
Lists errata in Earthworms, which he is translating.
| Author: | Julius Victor Carus |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 6 Dec 1881 |
| Classmark: | DAR 161: 116 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-13533 |
Matches: 8 hits
- … The word ‘mould’ in the …
- … phrase ‘dark-coloured mould’ has not been changed to ‘humus’ in either of these printings. …
- … Earthworms (1882): The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … ask you what difference you make between mould and humus ? In the most places you use both …
- … l.6 you add (in the proof sheets), to the word “mould”, “ or humus ”, and on the very same …
- … you insert (line 14), ‘humus’ instead of mould. This puzzles me. The translation will be …
- … thousand), p. 103, and Earthworms (1882) , p. 105, the phrase ‘mould or humus’ is used. …
- … 1882. Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
From W. E. Darwin [1 January 1872]
Summary
Worm action at Stonehenge.
| Author: | William Erasmus Darwin |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | [1 Jan 1872] |
| Classmark: | DAR 162: 105 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-8137 |
Matches: 10 hits
- … Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … altered from ‘of what? mould? —’]’ inserted after ‘bottom’ 15.2 filled … inches] scored …
- … the shepherd … pipe. 12.8] ‘But why has more mould accumulated close to stone than at …
- … distance of 8 yards Did not block indent the mould? ’ added pencil 12.3 …
- … 10 inches] underl red crayon 12.3 into the mould] ‘ …
- … mould’ underl red crayon 12.4 full of worms] underl red crayon 12.6 8 yards] underl red …
- … bottom 13.3] ‘Is turf abruptly higher close to stones? ’ added pencil ; ‘of mould. ? — [ …
- … trowel I found that this was sunk at the spot I examined 10 inches into the mould (it was …
- … evidently worm mould v. full of worms); the shepherd said the earth had probably been …
- … inches to a foot, I found the depth of the mould above the mixed flint and chalk to be 5 1 …
From William Buckland to the Geological Society of London 9 March 1838
Summary
Recommends CD’s paper on "Formation of mould" [Collected papers 1: 49–53; read 1 Nov 1837] be printed in Transactions. Praises it as establishing a new "geological power".
| Author: | William Buckland |
| Addressee: | Geological Society of London |
| Date: | 9 Mar 1838 |
| Classmark: | Geological Society of London (GSL/COM/P/4/2/47) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-404 |
Matches: 6 hits
- … Recommends CD’s paper on "Formation of mould" [ Collected papers 1: 49–53; read 1 Nov …
- … vols. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press. 1977. ‘Formation of mould’: On the …
- … formation of mould. [Read 1 November 1837. ] Transactions of the Geological Society of …
- … on M r Darwyns Paper on the formation of Mould. I consider the above paper & note appended …
- … On the formation of mould’ , Collected papers 1: 49–53. CD had concluded the version of …
- … of marine animals, in the same manner as mould has been prepared by the earth-worm on …
From Arthur Hall 5 December 1881
Summary
Vegetable mould covering paving-stones in Oxfordshire lanes accumulated over 14 or 16 centuries.
| Author: | Arthur Hall |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 5 Dec 1881 |
| Classmark: | DAR 166: 88 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-13531 |
Matches: 4 hits
- … Vegetable mould covering paving-stones in Oxfordshire lanes accumulated over 14 or 16 …
- … Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … Street | London S.E. Dec 5/81 “Vegetable Mould &c” Dear Sir Many of the minor Roman Roads …
- … surface has thus become covered with mould in sufficient quantity to support abundant …
From A. C. Horner 23 December 1881
Summary
Detailed criticism of Earthworms.
| Author: | Arthur Claypon Horner |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 23 Dec 1881 |
| Classmark: | DAR 166: 268 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-13578 |
Matches: 9 hits
- … Earthworms (1882): The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … there ought to be both more and larger stones in the “mould” at the bottom than at …
- … the top near the “superficial mould”, but the diagram does not represent it to be so. At …
- … 1882. Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … its appearance as represented. The layer of vegetable mould is clearly defined. Beneath it …
- … is a mass (25 1 2 inches thick) of “dark brown mould”. In the …
- … the walls project into this “dark brown mould” on the north or upper side about half way ( …
- … 12 inches or more) Now, if this state of “mould” had been brought about by long continued …
- … to be incorrect, I should expect to find the “mould” gradually shelving off from the upper …
To T. H. Farrer 18 January 1881
Summary
Asks THF to obtain sample of chalk immediately below vegetable mould at Abinger.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | Thomas Henry Farrer, 1st baronet and 1st Baron Farrer |
| Date: | 18 Jan 1881 |
| Classmark: | Linnean Society of London (LS Ms 299/32) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-13016 |
Matches: 4 hits
- … Asks THF to obtain sample of chalk immediately below vegetable mould at Abinger. …
- … Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … fragments, immediately beneath the vegetable mould. I want to ascertain the percentage of …
- … hear what the thickness of the vegetable mould is, measured from the upper surface, at the …
From J. G. Joyce 15 November 1877
Summary
Memorandum on Silchester. Report by IGJ of investigations carried out at Silchester with Frank and Horace [Darwin] on earthworm activity at the site of a Roman villa. Sections of vertical cuttings at Silchester, traced from the journal of the excavations of the Roman house, and notes on the same.
| Author: | James Gerald Joyce |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 15 Nov 1877 |
| Classmark: | DAR 64.2: 63–6; DAR 65: 104, 106, 108 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-11236 |
Matches: 11 hits
- … Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … from the walls. 2 nd . The texture of the mould overlying walls & floors. General Aspect: …
- … from 1
′ .6″—to 1 f t . We examined the mould overlying this. The section was an excellent … - … lower was 24″ 1 2 deep. It is dark brown mould, very thickly interspersed with small sized …
- … a much larger intermixture of pebbles & bits of tile in this mould than we expected. Above …
- … this 24 1 2 ″ bed, is the surface mould in w h . the grass grows. This is homogeneous, …
- … was not white, nor light coloured—it was quite dark, & largely mixed with mould. This …
- … was not its original condition, & the mould permeating it must be due to …
- … the action of worms which carry mould with them into the very heart of the wall, when they …
- … wall within. There was, even here, dark mould mixed in the mortar of the middle part, & …
- … consequence. 24.2] scored pencil 23.5 it was … mould. ] underl red crayon 23.5 This was … …
To John Scott 15 January 1872
Summary
Is resuming the study of worm-casts as he believes they will bear on the denudation of land. Requests specific information on the relative number, size, and manner of deterioration of worm-casts in India.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Scott |
| Date: | 15 Jan 1872 |
| Classmark: | Transactions of the Hawick Archæological Society (1908): 68 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-8159F |
Matches: 4 hits
- … CD refers to ‘Formation of mould’ , which was read before the Geological Society of London …
- … 1985–. Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … their habits. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1881. ‘Formation of mould’: On the …
- … formation of mould. [Read 1 November 1837. ] Transactions of the Geological Society of …
To William Lonsdale [c. June 1838]
Summary
Responds to report of the referee [on his paper "The formation of mould"]. Strikes out a paragraph and wants to add a note. Asks WL’s advice about a sentence.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | William Lonsdale |
| Date: | [c. June 1838] |
| Classmark: | American Philosophical Society (Mss.B.D25.) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-417 |
Matches: 4 hits
- … referee [on his paper "The formation of mould"]. Strikes out a paragraph and wants to add …
- … vols. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press. 1977. ‘Formation of mould’: On the …
- … formation of mould. [Read 1 November 1837. ] Transactions of the Geological Society of …
- … CD’s paper ‘On the formation of mould’ , Collected papers 1: 49–53. On the deleted …
From J. P. Taylor 14 November 1881
Summary
Thinks CD overestimates earthworms’ role in creating mould. Gives some observations on worms and questions about their breeding habits.
| Author: | John Pitt Taylor |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 14 Nov 1881 |
| Classmark: | DAR 178: 55 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-13483 |
Matches: 4 hits
- … CD overestimates earthworms’ role in creating mould. Gives some observations on worms and …
- … Earthworms (1882): The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … 1882. Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … that in accounting for the formation of mould you have scarcely made sufficient allowance …
From W. E. Darwin 31 December [1880]
Summary
Sends diagrams [missing] showing worm action at two sites.
| Author: | William Erasmus Darwin |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 31 Dec [1880] |
| Classmark: | DAR 162: 88 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-12957 |
Matches: 5 hits
- … Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … you might have a constant thickness of mould in any place continuing the same for …
- … and that in case of slopes the thickness of mould diminishes with the angle of slope. I …
- … of slope, and hardly worked at all where the mould was only just enough to support grass, …
- … diagrams and notes on the thickness of mould in Teg Down and the Rifle valley in 1872; CD …
From A. R. Wallace 18 October 1881
Summary
Thanks for book [Earthworms]. Asks whether leaf-mould is not formed by decay as well as by the agency of worms.
| Author: | Alfred Russel Wallace |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 18 Oct 1881 |
| Classmark: | DAR 106: B156–7 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-13413 |
Matches: 4 hits
- … for book [ Earthworms ]. Asks whether leaf-mould is not formed by decay as well as by the …
- … Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … not see that you refer to the formation of leaf-mould by the mere decay of leaves &c. In …
- … it not take part in the formation of all mould? & also the decay of the roots of grasses & …
To Henry Johnson 23 December 1871
Summary
Is unable to accept invitation to Shrewsbury. Is grateful for offer of assistance at Wroxeter.
The weight of dry earth cast up by worms is 161/10 tons per acre annually.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | Henry Johnson |
| Date: | 23 Dec 1871 |
| Classmark: | Private collection |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-8118A |
Matches: 4 hits
- … 1985–. Earthworms : The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with …
- … their habits. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1881. ‘Formation of mould’: On the …
- … formation of mould. [Read 1 November 1837. ] Transactions of the Geological Society of …
- … Society of London , ‘Formation of mould’ . See also letter from L. C. Wedgwood, 20 …
From Henry Johnson 12 January [1872?]
Summary
Sends a map of a field showing the effect of earthworms.
| Author: | Henry Johnson |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 12 Jan [1872?] |
| Classmark: | DAR 168: 65 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-12419 |
Matches: 4 hits
- … asked Johnson to observe the thickness of mould covering the Roman remains at Wroxeter, …
- … whilst at the bottom of the same field the mould was deeper. The best way to decide the …
- … the very top of the field B, & see if the mould always rests upon stony obstruction, or if …
- … in your investigation of the subject of mould . I have great pleasure in doing it. My Son …
Document type
| letter | (364) |
| bibliography | (4) |
| people | (1) |
Author
| Darwin, C. R. | (167) |
| Cooke, R. F. | (12) |
| Darwin, W. E. | (12) |
| John Murray | (12) |
| Darwin, Francis | (10) |
Addressee
| Darwin, C. R. | (185) |
| Darwin, Francis | (22) |
| Darwin, W. E. | (14) |
| Carus, J. V. | (11) |
| Cooke, R. F. | (10) |
Correspondent
| Darwin, C. R. | (352) |
| Darwin, Francis | (32) |
| Darwin, W. E. | (26) |
| Cooke, R. F. | (22) |
| John Murray | (22) |
Date
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Origin in Commentary
Origin in Commentary
1 Items
Darwin in letters, 1869: Forward on all fronts
Summary
At the start of 1869, Darwin was hard at work making changes and additions for a fifth edition of Origin. He may have resented the interruption to his work on sexual selection and human evolution, but he spent forty-six days on the task. Much of the…
Matches: 1 hits
- … confirm the view expressed in his 1840 paper ‘Formation of mould’ of the astonishing role of …
